Onward for a new school year: Newest Broncos welcomed to campus

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Eager eyes peek out over move-in carts piled high with bedding, storage bins and boxes of ramen as they roll toward their new homes in residence halls on Western Michigan University’s campus. 

“We brought three carloads to campus,” laughs Mikaylah Kile, a first-year student who drove to campus with her family from Canton, Michigan, and is planning to study elementary education. “It’s just really beautiful here. When I came for a tour, it just clicked. I’m excited for the community, and for study sessions and just the whole college experience.” 

Kile is among more than 2,000 first-year students who moved onto campus during Fall Welcome 2025.  

“Our biggest hope for the upcoming year is that our students thrive, that they’re getting all of the support that they need and that they want. We have so many resources on campus, from our Navigator Network to Sindecuse Health Center and the Student Recreation Center—all you have to do is ask,” says Dr. Barry Olson, associate vice president for campus life, who traversed campus throughout the weekend with a backpack full of popsicles, answering questions that arose from the newest Broncos and their families. 

The Roth family from Commerce, Michigan, was among the early morning move-in crowd. Incoming student Jack Roth was excited to meet his roommate in person for the first time. 

“I’m most excited about meeting new people and experiencing college life,” says Roth, who chose Western because of its interior architecture and design program. 

“I’m excited for him, and, of course, a little nervous,” his mom, Melissa Roth, adds. “It’s kind of nostalgic, because I’m reminiscing about my oldest, his brother, when we brought him here. He had a great experience at Western.” 

Also feeling nostalgic was WMU President Russ Kavalhuna, who visited his old stomping grounds in Ackley/Shilling Hall, where he lived as a first-year student. 

“It feels amazing seeing all these new Broncos moving in. I can remember moving my stuff here on the sixth floor of Ackley, and I remember being excited and nervous,” he says. “This is the place where they’re going to make memories and meet lifelong friends. I still see the guys I met on my hall on move-in day.” 

Kavalhuna made new Bronco connections during move-in this year—this time as the University’s leader. 

“The president is super friendly! He helped my family and me carry some of my items in,” says Kiera Bush, who plans to study psychology and criminal justice and is interested in Western’s Cold Case Program. She grew up in Marshall, Michigan, and graduated from the same high school as Kavalhuna. “He welcomed us in and offered his future help and best wishes.” 

Kavalhuna’s excitement to start his tenure as president of his alma mater is evident, and he’s invested in getting to know students and seeing them succeed. 

“This time of year, when new students are coming in, they really bring an energy that’s irreplaceable," he says. “Meeting them and getting to know them is the first step. But the next step is to get everyone moving in the right direction for our education mission and get that momentum toward the ultimate goal of graduation and a meaningful career. I’m just excited to support them.” 

New digs 

New and returning students were welcomed back to campus with a new pedestrian greenspace and gateway to campus. Nearing completion, the upgrades will make campus more pedestrian- friendly and foster community connection. 

“Outdoor spaces are important for our well-being,” says Sara VanderVeen, senior director of planning, design and construction. “The University has a legacy of beautiful outdoor spaces, and we see the continuation of that with this project and really creating vibrancy in the heart of campus.” 

Kara Gessinger, B.B.A.’99, who drove her daughter here from Edwardsburg, Michigan, is impressed by the upgrades. She says things look much different than when she was a student. 

“I graduated from the business college, and I couldn’t even find it when I was driving around,” she laughs. “It’s amazing. It is so cool, and I’m glad it’s happening,” she says. 

Her daughter, first-year psychology student Grace Gessinger, says the upgrades are one of the reasons she chose Western. 

“I toured here, and I really liked the campus environment.” 

Kaiden Sylvester, a first-year elementary education student from Whitehall, Michigan, agrees. “I love the campus: How it’s laid out, the programs. aAnd all of the activities they have here are amazing.” 

In addition to move -in, Fall Welcome offered a full slate of activities for students to get acclimated to Western, from cookouts and ice skating to a night of fun atin Waldo Stadium and shuttles downtown to get to know Kalamazoo. The excitement culminated in Bronco Bash, an epic back-to-school tradition packed with free swag, band performances and more than 400 vendors ranging from registered student organizations to campus units and local businesses and nonprofits. 

Classes began Wednesday, Aug. 27. There are still a number of events aimed at welcoming back all Western students, from study abroad information sessions and career fairs to the Sustainability Celebration and a free concert featuring platinum-certified rapper Yung Gravy before the WMU football home opener on Saturday, Sept. 6.  

“My hope for all students this year is they will get involved at Western,” says Kavalhuna. “Your investment in yourself is an investment in your future, and we’re going to meet you there—whatever you need.” 

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.